Week 3 - Drugs for Depression & Anxiety Flashcards
SSRI’s SNRI’s TCA’s MAOI’s Atypical Antidepressants Benzodiazepines (63 cards)
What are the common assessments for depression severity?
Grief, loss, life events, childbirth
Use tools to help determine severity.
How long does it typically take to determine the initial response to antidepressants?
1-4 weeks
Max effect can take up to 12 weeks.
What steps should be taken if an antidepressant is not working?
- Increase dose
- Switch to same class drug
- Switch to another class drug
- Add a second drug
What is a significant risk associated with antidepressant drugs?
Suicide risk
Prescriptions should be written for the smallest number of doses consistent with good management.
What is the action of Fluoxetine (Prozac)?
Selectively block neuronal reuptake of serotonin
List some adverse effects of Fluoxetine (Prozac).
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Serotonin syndrome
- Withdrawal syndrome
- Bruxism
- Suicide Risk
What should be monitored when combining Fluoxetine with other drugs?
Responses to warfarin
Fluoxetine can elevate plasma levels of TCA’s and Lithium.
What are the two main classes of drugs used for anxiety disorders?
- SSRIs
- Benzodiazepines
What is the action of Serotonin/Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)?
Block neuronal reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine
Works like SSRIs but less tolerated than SSRIs
What is a common adverse effect of SNRIs?
*Withdrawal syndrome (with abrupt withdrawal)
*Contraindicated with MAOI
*No late pregnancy - can result in neonatal withdrawal syndrome
*Liver toxicity - no alcoholics or liver disease
What are the common adverse effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)?
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Anticholinergic effects (can’t pee, spit, or poop)
- Suicide Risk
- Sedation
- Cardiac toxicity
- overdose (lethal)
What is the main risk associated with MAOIs?
Hypertensive crisis triggered by food rich in tyramine
What is a unique feature of Bupropion (Wellbutrin) compared to SSRIs?
Does not cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction
What is the action of Buspirone (Buspar)?
Binds to serotonin receptors with high affinity and to dopamine receptors with lower affinity
What are the first-line drugs for panic disorders?
- SSRIs (preferred)
- SNRIs
- TCAs
- MAOIs
What types of therapy are recommended for PTSD?
- Psychotherapy
- Trauma-focused therapy
- Stress inoculation training
Fill in the blank:
endogenous GABA
What are some common adverse effects of benzodiazepines?
- CNS depression
- Respiratory Depression
- Anterograde amnesia
- Confusion
- Paradoxical effects
What is a significant risk when discontinuing benzodiazepines after long-term use?
Withdrawal symptoms such as panic and convulsions
True or False: Benzodiazepines have a high potential for abuse.
False
Benzodiazepines have a lower potential for abuse compared to barbiturates.
What is the main use of beta blockers in anxiety disorders?
Performance anxiety
What questions should we ask a depressed person?
Do you have thoughts of suicide?
Do you have a plan?
Do you have access to items needed?
what drug class is fluoxetine?
SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs used to treat depression and other mental health conditions.
What is the action of SSRIs?
Blocks serotonin and keeps it in the system.
SSRIs work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, appetite, and other bodily functions.
